October 2016

31 October 2016 - CRUISE CONFERENCES

Posted by: Nic Rone

Enjoy the freedom to do your conference or incentive, your way and reap the benefits of this unique and exciting choice.

A Corporate cruise is unlike any experience on land. You leave the day-to-day behind and focus on the potential of what could be, in an environment created to foster creativity and push your business objectives.

Poolside or seaside, taking your employees somewhere they've never been before ensures an excited audience with maximum attendance. With top-of-the-line facilities on every ship, your agenda is in good hands.

Enjoy the freedom to do your conference or incentive, your way and reap the benefits of this unique and exciting choice.

THE FULL CORPORATE PACKAGENothing can compete with the feeling of freedom and possibility that comes with the open sea. Simply changing office boardroom for office boardroom will never achieve the results that come hand in hand with a Corporate cruise.

Corporate cruising offers an all-inclusive price for your delegates, which includes accommodation, meals, conference and event requirements and much more.

Advantages of a Cruise Conference – Snapshot

Cruising has an 80+% repeat factor which is testament to the value and satisfaction of a cruising experience?

There are many incredible advantages to hosting a conference on board a cruise.

This is a new and exciting conference experience which motivates people to action and creates something most have never experienced before.

Sharing a new travel adventure enhances camaraderie and team spirit within your organisation or association.

It’s a self-contained environment with a variety of function rooms for private events, plenary sessions and break out meetings.

Your captive audience can’t get lost on board as such they are more likely to attend all sessions, events and functions.

A conference 'GROUP' can start from just 16 people.

Depending on group size you can get cash back which can be used to pay for for keynote speakers, management cabins or to reduce the per person cost for your conference.

Ships generally have a very personalised and high standard of service.

Depending upon the cruise there may be multiple destinations and they have almost all-inclusive pricing which assists with budget control.

You get the pleasures of a resort hotel with the adventure of travel at sea.

Onboard included activities offer variety for participants, spouses, and the kids without extra planning or cost.

Perceived as having a high value by attendees, while costing less overall than a comparable land-based conference.

Do more for less: The average per person cost for a cruise is $100 to 200 per day based on twin share occupancy and from $300 – 400 per day for single occupancy, while the average cost for a conference meeting held at a resort can be upwards upwards of $500 per person, per day. All meals on cruises are included, as well as a variety of entertainment and activities.

Better Budget Control: Meals, meeting space, Audio Visual, activities and evening entertainment are all included which afford better budget control and less out-of-pocket expense for attendees.

More bang for your buck: Theatres and lounges feature state-of-the-art sound, light and projection systems and built-in décor, saving you considerable time and money and giving your presentations a greater “wow” factor.

A ship is a self-contained environment, fostering relationship-building and encouraging greater meeting attendance and participation. There are less outside distractions on a ship, so your attendees can focus more on the program agenda.

Cruises appeal to all ages and tastes. Your cruise conference itinerary will motivate and reward everyone, and simplify your planning for family programs –kids and teens have their own shipboard events and programs.

Superior Service. Ship staff-to-guest ratio is very high - generally three times that of most resorts, so everyone in your group will receive attentive and personalized service.

Included activities and entertainment create a built-in spouse program and a variety of options for your group when they are not in meetings. Kids and teens have their own activities and lounges on ships, making family program planning a breeze.

An abundance of dining options and ever-changing menus make meals memorable. From elegant dining rooms to intimate specialty restaurants and casual poolside grills, ship dining will please even the most discerning tastes. Guests order “off the menu” and enjoy unlimited

A unique experience on a ship builds association/company/brand identity loyalty and lasting relationships to deliver a solid return on investment.

17 October 2016 - SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE7 - HAWAIIAN AIRLINES

Posted by: Nic Rone

Hawaiian Airlines wishes to alert you to a directive issued today by the The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).

The U.S. DOT has issued an emergency order banning the carriage of Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphone devices aboard aircraft to, from and between the United States.

Individuals who own or possess a Samsung Galaxy Note7 device may not transport the device on their person, in carry-on baggage, or in checked baggage on flights to, from, or within the United States. This prohibition includes all Samsung Galaxy Note7 devices. The phones also cannot be shipped as air cargo. The ban will be effective on Saturday, October 15, 2016, at noon ET.

In compliance with the order and as part of our duty of care, Hawaiian Airlines will not board passengers with this device on their person, in a carry-on bag, in a checked bag or shipped as cargo. Hawaiian Airlines is posting alerts on all our webpages as well as VIA social media.

17 October 2016 - AFTA: TRAVEL ADVICE FOR THAILAND

Posted by: Nic Rone

Thailand is in a period of mourning following the death of His Majesty, King Bhumibol on 13 October.

This is a time of deep sorrow for Thai people. To demonstrate respect for the Thai people, refrain from any behaviour that may be interpreted as festive, disrespectful or disorderly. Abide by local laws and respect Thai customs. There may be some disruption of commercial and public services during the mourning period, especially during the first 30 days (until 13 November).

Tourist attractions are open with the exception of Wat Pra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

Expect traffic disruptions and heightened security around these areas as people pay their respects to the late King. Consult your tour operator and monitor local media for information regarding how your individual travel plans may be impacted.

Australians in need of urgent consular assistance can call the Australian Embassy in Bangkok on +66 2 344 6507 (8.30 am to 4.30pm weekdays) or after hours call the 24 hour Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra on +61 2 6261 3305.

For more information please visit Smartraveller.gov.au

We are an ATAS & CLIA accredited Travel Agency and we ensure your booking is protected through our client protection policy.

Varsity Lakes Travel holds an unrestricted Travel Agents Licence,
is a full member of ATAS, Australia's consumer travel protection authority,
and is a full service travel agency associated with the helloworld travel Group.